By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai Motor America
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T continues to dramatically improve for the 2017 model year. The improvements span everything from fresh exterior design and LED lighting signatures to additional infotainment, convenience and safety technologies and new Drive Mode selection with Sport, Eco and Normal settings.
Exterior
The exterior of the Santa Fe Sport invokes the impression of irrepressible motion through a design concept called Storm Edge. To create the illusion of constant motion, Hyundai designers use a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED headlight accents, low stance, rising beltline, roof spoiler and wraparound taillights. Design elements also include standard chrome grille and door handle accents and body color mirrors.
For 2017, also available is the Hyundai’s innovative power Hands-free Smart Lift gate with Auto Open, which makes it even easier for owners to gain access to the cargo area when their hands are full. The system makes it easy for the driver to keep both feet on the ground, simply waiting for the lift gate to open after standing within a few feet of the rear bumper with the key fob in a purse or pocket.
Interior
Santa Fe Sport models feature an interior look, designed for passenger functionality and comfort. From the heated rear seats and available eight-way power driver seat, to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back, both boast flexibility and a pleasant cabin for all.
Standard features include a Rearview Camera, automatic on/off headlights, remote keyless entry with alarm, body color heated exterior power mirrors with driver’s blind spot mirror, steering wheel mounted audio, cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free smartphone system. Premium features such panoramic sunroof, navigation and an updated 12 speaker Infinity Logic7 audio system which features QuantumLogic Surround and ClariFi Music Restoration Technology are available.
Next Generation Blue-Link
For 2017 the next generation Hyundai Blue Link is optional on Santa Fe Sport, it provides a full suite of connected safety and diagnostic features, as well as features that are only possible with an embedded connected car system, such as Remote Start with Climate Control, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Remote Door Lock/Unlock. Navigation equipped Santa Fe Sport models also benefit from Blue Link Guidance, which provides Destination Search, powered by Google, as well as POI Web Search and Download to help you get to your destinations via your connected car.
POWERTRAINS
All Santa Fe powertrains now offer new Drive Mode selection with Sport, Eco and Normal settings. The 2017 Santa Fe Sport is powered by an efficient 2.4liter four-cylinder Direct-injected engine with 185 horsepower or the more powerful, turbocharged 2.0 liter Four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower. All engines utilize high-pressure direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Safety Features
Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Management with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.
Santa Fe Sport also features a state of the art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes, an Anti-Lock Braking System including Brake Assist providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles, based on vehicle loading conditions. Additionally, Santa Fe offers family friendly passive safety features, including a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system for children’s seats on the second row and three point seatbelts for all seating positions.
Summary
I found the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate FWD pleasant to drive. Its performance was impressive, its ride was smooth and controlled over most surfaces, its braking was strong and stable, and its handling was as good as most competitors in its class.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $36,500.00, the one I drove included Ultimate Tech Package (Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Dynamic Bending Light, High Beam Assist & Auto-Leveling Headlights) and Carpeted Floor Mats, and it came at $39,070.00 including inland freight and handling. The EPA fuel economy estimates 20 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway with the 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection 4 Cylinder Engine.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
